We heard about this service idea on network television and think it’s good idea to share. The Disney folks are starting a new program on Jan. 1, 2010, lasting until Dec. 31, 2010 or until one million tickets have been given out.

Disney is working with HandsOn Network, the nation’s largest volunteer network with about 250 volunteer action centers across the country, and hopes to inspire families to volunteer to help others in their own communities; people who perform volunteer service for a participating organization in their community will receive a free one-day admission to either Walt Disney World Resort (Florida) or Disneyland Resort (California).

People who have never thought about volunteering before may now entertain the idea seriously. Some may find that helping others constructively gives certain positive feelings and wish to continue.

An interested party signs up on the special Disney Web site, www.DisneyParks.com (for the United States and Puerto Rico) or www.DisneyParks.ca (for Canada) and follows instructions. As time for the program to begin approaches, the enrollee will be asked for his postal zip code because different choices are available in different areas and to select an interest (animals, children, nature, and so on). There are about 70,000 nonprofit agencies across the country from which to choose.

Any of us who participated in the Disneyland free-on-your-birthday program knows what a wonderful incentive a Disney day can be.

You must be at least 18 years old to sign up for the program and may add up to eight additional members of your same household. Children must be at least six years old to earn a ticket and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Performed service must be verified and, after that, instructions on how to print a voucher will be given.